Saturday, 1^st November 2025.

Matchday: Tranmere Rovers v County, FA Cup 1^st round.

No Awayday Show from Geordie Hatter this morning, as Jonathan has visitors. In his announcement on Yellowboard, he referred to the Wirral as “The Leisure Peninsula.” As someone who has endured the hospitality of Cammell Laird on a number of occasions over the years, I find it hard to think of the area in that way.

Some highlights:

1. Visitor’s vans must be parked at the very furthest point in the yard from the ship you’re working on.

2. No, there isn’t anywhere you can have a brew under cover, you must sit in your van. The van that’s parked at the very furthest point in the yard from the ship you’re working on.

3. The cylinder heads you’re anxiously waiting for *definitely* aren’t in these stores, despite the fact that we can both see eight pallets with heads strapped to them labelled with the ship’s name.

4. The sea trials we told you to attend at midnight have been cancelled but we didn’t bother to tell you until you’d driven from home and reached the engine room. Come back at 01:00 tomorrow and we might be ready then. Or we might not.

5. The MOD tanker you’ve been working on has been towed away for scrap after spending weeks in drydock and having £11 million spent on it so you won’t need to come back to finish the job. We thought it best to let you find that out via the internet rather than letting you know direct.

Anyway, football….

We’d gone for the 61-seater coach for the Flyer and it was as well that we did, as we had more passengers than the smaller vehicles could accommodate. I still had a pair of seats to myself though, so I was able to stretch out. The journey was entirely routine in nature and, unlike Port Vale last week, we were able to park right outside the ground. The stewards greeted us with the news that the turnstiles would open at 1:30, so a number of us sat on the coach until then rather than stand out in the weather. Of course, as surely as night follows day, they didn’t actually open until two o’clock. I don’t know why I keep falling for this sort of thing. Lunch was an OK-ish steak pie and a bottle of Coke with the cap still attached, hurrah.

Some people’s idea of pre-match entertainment is howling abuse at opposing clubs’ mascots. It takes all sorts, I suppose. Tranmere’s Rover (Geddit?) was getting dog’s abuse from some of our brighter sparks:

Dave Challinor’s team selection matched mine with two exceptions; Corey Addai replaced Ben Hinchliffe in nets and Jayden Fevrier was preferred to Nathan Lowe.

This was Tranmere’s remembrance game, so the usual formalities took place before kick-off and were generally well observed.

The control office at Prenton Park always puts me in mind of a Martian tripod from The War Of The Worlds.

The first half was a poor do, more like a training game than a cup tie. Tranmere were marginally the better team but when you’ve said that, you’ve said everything. The most notable event was Ben Osborn apparently tweaking his left hamstring, he went off straight away to be replaced by Owen Dodgson so perhaps he hasn’t suffered too much damage.

The second forty-five minutes was a different matter, both teams set off in a much more enthusiastic manner. Callum Camps and Corey O’Keeffe were introduced to replace Jayden Fevrier and Joseph Olowu. Camps in particular looked very lively, he seemed to be everywhere, and it was he who passed the ball to Jack Diamond who then scampered through the Rovers defence to score the sort of goal we know he’s capable of but he’s lacked the composure to put away so far this season. The home side then got one back through an own goal by Ethan Pye. It’s been credited to Omari Patrick but it didn’t look as though it would have gone in unless it had struck Pye first. Despite the equaliser County still looked in command and our second was yet another astonishing free kick from the Ollie Norwood collection, beating the ‘keeper direct from the left-hand byline. The coup-de-grace was administered by Nathan Lowe, who got to a high ball first to lob the keeper. A defender got a boot to the ball but couldn’t keep it out. A comprehensive win in the end and the team were entirely justified in lining up in front of the away end to reap the applause of the fans.

The journey home on the coach was a happy one, although the mood was marred by some idiocy by a party of young men, who were making their first and, it turns out, their only trip with us.

Today’s tune is “Three Times Enough” by Nine Below Zero, who we’re off to see in Manchester later this month:

Sunday, 2^nd November 2025.

Matchday: York City Ladies v County Ladies, FA Women’s National League North.

It’s back to league action for the Ladies today, as they take on York away. County lie sixth in the table before kick-off and York eleventh.

Comparing County’s lineup today with last Wednesday’s shows Kenedy Owen, Levi Rathburn and Olivia Wilson dropping to the bench to be replaced by Gemma Lancaster, Abbie Podmore and Shauna Jein.

County took the lead on twenty-three minutes. It came from a Paige Cole free kick which was parried by the York ‘keeper only for Em Bradshaw to pounce. The second followed six minutes later, Jess Battle getting to an Em Bradshaw pass ahead of the defence to score. Things got better still before half time when Abbie Podmore profited from a mix-up in the home defence to notch the girls’ third. County continued to press in the second half but York proved more resolute than they had in the first period and there was no further change to the score by full time.

The win takes County up a place to fifth with a game in hand over the teams above them. It’s all quite close, with only four points separating the top six.

County Ladies’ next match is next Sunday at home to Durham Cestria in the second round of the FAWNL Plate.

I didn’t realise it at the time, but it seems Saturday’s win at Tranmere was Odin Bailey’s 100^th match for the Hatters. In all those games, I don’t think he’s played better than in the last few matches.

Today’s tune is “Odin” from ace purveyors of Shamanic, Nordic and Celtic ambience, Munknörr:

Monday, 3^rd November 2025.

TSBW’s Match Review pod with Jimmy Harmer, Dan Culverwell, Dave Whitehouse and Steve Bardsley took a forensic look at the win at Tranmere.

• Up for the cup: County have played weakened teams in the other cup competitions this season, but the FA Cup is different for a number of reasons:
  • A good run would increase the club’s prestige.
  • The chance of a big draw in we can get through to the third round.
  • A chance to bring some money into the club to balance the books.
  • Dave Challinor and Clint Hill would surely want to give a good account of themselves at a club where they used to play.
• The team: Just two changes from the last game; Corey Addai for Ben Hinchliffe and Jayden Fevrier for Nathan Lowe.
• First half: Very little of note occurred other than:
  • Jayden Fevrier making a couple of forays but mainly adding weight to his reputation as a super sub rather than a starter.
  • Ben Osborn going off with a pulled hamstring just minutes before he was due to be replaced by Owen Dodgson. Even playing out of position, Osborn has been a superb addition to the squad, not just for his own contribution but he’s combined brilliantly with Ethan Pye.
• Second half: A more positive approach right from the off. We might have had a penalty early on for a foul on Kyle Wootton, and we know from last season that this particular referee likes a penalty, but it came to nothing. The four goals were all notable in their own way:
  • Jack Diamond: he’s been criticised for lac of end product at times this season but on the evidence of his goal in this match, we may be seeing a return to his form towards the end of last season.
  • Omari Patrick: the best Tranmere player on the day, his goal today, unlike his equaliser for Carlisle in the playoff final, was ultimately in vain.
  • Ollie Norwood: Another free kick from the master, he just beggars belief. Quite how we’d cope if he missed a run of games is a worry but his commitment to keeping in top shape the year round is a fine example to the younger members of the squad.
  • Nathan Lowe: We looked far more dangerous once he came on and he took his goal superbly well, although the defender’s attempt to keep the lob out might have been better or more committed. There have been mutterings of late about the player returning to Stoke in January but he’s said himself that he’s had trouble adjusting to the new position he’s been asked to play at County and it seems to be paying off now. Stoke’s manager, Mark Robins, has said that he wants Lowe to stay at County for the season and if he continues to score like he has in the last few games, it would be a shame to lose him.
• Man Of The Match: The official award went to Jack Diamond, but the contributions of Callum Connolly and Joseph Olowu must have put them in the frame as well.

All this and more in the full version:

The draw for the second round of the FA Cup was held tonight and has pitched us against Cambridge United at home. I was hoping for the proverbial Dog & Duck at home, and the Us aren’t that by any means, but it’s a winnable tie if we shape ourselves.

Today’s tune is an ‘I was there’ moment from the Manchester leg of the Oysterband’s Long Goodbye Tour. This is guest June Tabor doing her best Grace Slick on “White Rabbit”:

Tuesday, 4^th November 2025.

Heartiest congratulations the blog’s parent podcast, The Scarf Bergara Wore, justifiably proud winners of ‘Fan Media, Influencer, Channel or Podcast of the Season’ at the Northwest Football Awards 2025 last night. The scale of this can’t be overstated; they were up against City Xtra, The Redmen TV, The United Stand and TurfCast, most of whom employ full time staff and have countless thousands of viewers and listeners. Jimmy, Russ and Waggie look delighted in the photo with the trophy, as well they might.

Stockport County Community Trust also featured on the night, being highly commended in the “Community Initiative of the Season – All other Leagues” section for the “Kits By County” programme.

The latest “Inside County” video concentrates on Dave Challinor and Clint Hill during the visit to Tranmere on Saturday. You can spot the exact moment when the referee denied County a penalty from Chally’s reaction…

Today’s tune should probably be “Congratulations” by Cliff Richard, but in the immortal words of Edward Tattsyrup, “We’ll have none of that here!” Instead, and just because I like it, we’ll have Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ version of a Tom Waits song, “Heart Attack And Vine”:

Wednesday, 5^th November 2025.

In this week’s TSBW Match Preview pod Steve Bardsley talks to Kevin Harper of the Luton Town Supporters’ Trust podcast about Saturday’s match, the first clash of the two Hatters in over a decade.

• Ownership: In contrast to the club’s league position, the ownership group, with the emphasis on fan involvement, has remained fairly constant since their days in the Conference.
• New ground: The club has invested heavily in their new ground, the Power Court Stadium, which is hoped to be in use for the 2028-29 season.
• Life in the Premier league:
  • Pros: It’s paid for the new ground and seeing the likes of Salah and Haaland play at their place was an experience.
  • Getting beaten every week was depressing and relegation has meant a dismantling of the squad.
• Manager: Jack Wilshere took over from Matt Bloomfield in October this year. Previously in charge of Arsenal’s youth team, he’s continued their way of playing at Luton. He has the experienced Chris Powell as his assistant.
• Expectations for the season: The fans hoped they’d be up at the top but they’ve struggled so far. Part of the reason could be a massive churn in the playing staff: 19 left and 14 came in during the transfer window.
• Players to watch:
  • George Saville: Northern Ireland international and experienced Championship midfielder.
  • Kal Naismith: Left-sided Scottish defender.
  • Lamine Fanne: Senegal-born midfielder who has previously played in Spain and Sweden.
  • Nakhi Wells: Bermudian international forward.
  • Millenic Alli: Irish left-sided forward, sometimes referred to as “The Font,” who came to Luton from County via Halifax and Exeter. I was very sorry when we let him go, I thought he had something about him. He started off well for Luton but faded a bit afterwards and, because he’s been injured for a while, hasn’t played under the new manager. He might make the bench on Saturday.
• Following: As you might expect from an ex-Premier league team, they travel well and they’ve sold out their 1,100 allocation.
• Prediction: Kevin wouldn’t be dismayed with a 1-1 draw.

Well worth a watch:

This week’s main pod from The Scarf Bergara Wore featured regulars Russ, Waggie and Andy with a debut fan guest, Lewis Lawrence. The opening scene features Russ, Waggie and Jimmy Harmer at the Northwest Football Awards dressed, to quote Aretha Franklin in the Blues Bothers, “like Hasidic diamond merchants.”

• Lewis presented a strong set of answers to the newbie’s questionnaire:
  • First game: Torquay at home, 2006, a 1-1 draw.
  • Favourite goal: Danny Lloyd’s late equaliser against Brackley or Kayode Odejayi away against Hednesford.
  • Favourite game: Nuneaton (A) to win the North or the 5-0 away at Hartlepool.
  • Favourite player: Ash Williams or Carl Baker.
• Tranmere (A): Nothing to write home in the first half but a good squad performance altogether with excellent use of the subs. Playing Woots alone up front to allow both Jack Diamond and Jayden Fevrier to start didn’t bring home the bacon and we looked far more dangerous with Nathan Lowe on the pitch. Callum Camps made a big difference when he came on. Three cracking goals, especially Ollie Norwood’s spectacular.
• Cup draw: Cambridge (H) doesn’t exactly set the pulse racing but it’s one we can win if we play to our potential. If we can get through to the third round, there’s a chance of a big draw and an opportunity to show what we can do. Palace (A) last season was a good example, it took an England player to score against us and there was only one goal in it at the finish.
• Luton (H): They haven’t started too well but a lot of their resources have gone on the new stadium rather than into the playing budget. Everyone went for a win, score predictions ranging from 2-1 to 3-2.
• Peterborough (A): Still scheduled for a Thursday night at the time of recording. I think it’ll stay that way but we’ll see what happens…
• Player Of The Month: The club are suggesting Norwood, Diamond or Bailey. I’d go for the latter, he’s really come to the fore in the last month, but it will almost certainly go to Norwood.
• Scoreboard exclusive: The initial plan was to raise it by 3m to clear the gazebo roof but it seems that this would be more difficult than first envisaged, so it’s likely to stay where it is or the time being.
• Random Shit Of The Week: This week’s competition took the form of quizzes from Andy and Waggie. I got most of Andy’s questions right, but struggled somewhat with Waggie’s.

The usual tour de force and a recommended watch:

I’ve got some sort of dreadful lurgi at the moment, I feel rougher than when I had the actual Covid. It isn’t that, because I bought a box of test kits and it came up clear, and I’ve had a flu jab so I don’t know what it is. Anyway, in honour of my imminent demise, today’s tune is “Token Covid Song” by Half Man Half Biscuit:

Thursday, 6^th November 2025.

Non-football local news: There was a bomb scare at Stockport the other night. Depending on which account you read the suspicious item, which turned out to be an empty suitcase, was left either on the recently-named John Axon footbridge or on the station itself. The area round the station was sealed off for most of the night. This item from the Daily Mirror made me chuckle though:

Hid in pubs, eh? That must have been awful for them. “Hello dear; I can’t come home just yet; there’s an empty suitcase half a mile away so I’m stuck in the Lord Nelson.”

Reading played Stevenage tonight, luckily Reading won 1-0 so we stay top of the league for at least another couple of days. Our old friend Referee Speedie brandished a red card at a Reading player at the end of the first half, but it turned out to be a case of mistaken identity and the player was called back.

Here’s how the league table looks this evening:

Cardiff and Stevenage could still go above us by winning their games in hand, but that’s up to them; a point in the hand is worth two in the, er, bush. Or something.

County’s Community Trust remind us that Saturday marks the club’s Remembrance fixture for 2025, a chance to pay our respects to our fallen servicemen and women. The Royal British Legion will be at the ground with a bucket collection before the game.

With Armistice Day approaching, today’s tune is a second appearance this week for June Tabor with her version of Eric Bogle’s anti-war masterpiece, “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda”:

Friday 7^th November 2025.

Reports are popping up of interest in a top flight Hungarian team by Mr. Stott. It should be pretty obvious that last thing a successful businessman like our owner needs is advice from me, but I’d stay clear. Viktor Orbán, the country’s Prime Minister, is as dodgy as anything and in the same populist mould as Trump and Putin. To quote Shakespeare, “He who sups with the devil should have a long spoon.”

Here’s my team for tomorrow. I’ve put Owen Dodgson in because I can’t see Ben Osborn being fit after doing his hamstring last Saturday.

Today marks the end of the EFL’s Week of Action, demonstrating the collective community impact of all 72 Football Club charities across England and Wales.

County’s Community Trust have, as always, been to the forefront with their various programmes, including:

• The Social Wellbeing group, reaching out to those experiencing loneliness and isolation, and those living with long-term mental health conditions.
• Walking Football, helping men and women aged 45+ to keep fit and have fun in a friendly, supportive and non-judgemental environment.
• Get Active with County, which aims aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people of all ages who suffer with mobility issues, physical disabilities or learning difficulties.
• Disability Football:
  • County Comets, a junior pan-disability session for children aged 8-16.
  • County Stars, catering for people aged 16+ across the spectrum of disability.
• The 90 Minute Club, a sporting memories project that aims to help those living with dementia, depression, and loneliness.
• The Parkinson’s Wellbeing Programme, providing support for local people living with the condition by delivering physical activity projects to help ease and manage their symptoms.

As it’s the Hatters’ Derby Tomorrow, today’s tune is Paul Ronney Angel feat Caz on trumpet with an acoustic version of “Dont Mess With The Hat”:

See you all at Edgeley Park!

Animo et fide, you lovely people.